Ask the Doctor: Acne, Cold Feet, Gas/Bloating and Protein Powder

I always enjoy hearing from you folks, answering your questions and helping you find solutions to your health challenges. If you have a question you would like to ask, visit my Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HotzeHWC/ and send me a private message. Please mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line and then and look for my responses in upcoming articles in Katy Christian Magazine.   

In this first edition of “Ask the Doctor,” I will offer solutions for acne, cold feet, and gas/bloating, as well as answering a question about the best types of protein powder.

Help! My Daughter is Struggling with Acne!

My 16-year-old is really struggling with acne. She is becoming increasingly self-conscious and withdrawn and I am worried about her. We have tried every acne product out there. Is there anything else that could help? — Houston Mom 

Many teens and young adults struggle with breakouts, but stress during these trying times and irritation from face masks are making problems with acne even worse. I do have a suggestion. Broadband Light (BBL) is a type of phototherapy that delivers targeted wavelengths of light to the skin. Studies have shown that BBL reduces inflammation, suppresses excessive oil production, and kills Cutibarterium acnes, the bacteria that cause acne. In addition to clearing up blemishes, BBL also diminishes acne scarring. Depending on the severity, most people will see results in as few as two or three treatments. 

Contact Hotze Aesthetics at 281-698-8770 to learn more about BBL for acne and other skin problems and to schedule a Consultation at the Hotze Health & Wellness Center. I hope this helps. Mention Katy Christian Magazine and we will waive the $50 Consultation Fee.

Any Suggestions for Cold Feet?

Do you have any recommendations for cold feet? My husband says mine are like icebergs when I get in bed at night. Except for being a little overweight and wishing I had more energy; I am pretty healthy, and all my blood tests are normal. Thanks in advance. — Jean

I suggest a therapeutic trial of thyroid replacement therapy. Even though your blood tests seem to be normal, your symptoms are clearly suggestive of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). 

This is one of my biggest gripes about the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders. Most doctors rely on a single blood test (TSH). When results fall within the “normal range,” as 95% of them do, hypothyroidism is ruled out, even if you have obvious signs of low thyroid function. Of course, blood tests are important, but everyone is an individual, and it is not at all uncommon to have a normal TSH test and still have hypothyroidism. 

That’s why we dig deeper with more sensitive tests and, most importantly, by paying more attention to your symptoms (and listening to you) than your lab numbers. Optimizing your thyroid hormones—preferably with bioidentical T3/T4 or natural desiccated thyroid, rather than the usual synthetic drugs— will also improve your weight, energy, and other aspects of your health. In the meantime, it cannot hurt to wear warm socks to bed! 

To learn more about how we diagnose and treat thyroid problems, visit hotzehwc.com or call us at 281-698-8698 for a Free Wellness Consultation

Is There a Solution for Embarrassing Bloating and Gas?

I have a terrible problem with bloating and gas. It is worse after eating, especially after dinner, which is my biggest meal. I also get abdominal cramping at times. I have tried Gas-X and other drugstore remedies and natural products like peppermint tea and digestive enzymes, but nothing has worked. Do you have any suggestions for this embarrassing problem? — Anonymous

The fact that your symptoms come on after eating suggests they are food related. You may have an undiagnosed intolerance or allergy to a certain food such as lactose or gluten. It is also highly likely that you have imbalances in your gut microbiota—the microorganisms that reside in your intestinal tract.

In many cases, the problem is yeast overgrowth. As yeast metabolizes sugars, gas is produced as a byproduct. So, when you eat sugar and carbohydrates, which are broken down into sugars in the gut, you are providing a feast for the yeast. This is a very common cause of bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramping, etc. 

The solution is straightforward. Go on a strict yeast-free eating program and, if necessary, take oral medications that kill yeast in the colon. In about three months, you should have resolution of your intestinal symptoms as well as other problems related to yeast overgrowth. You can learn more about yeast overgrowth and how we treat it on our website. I also encourage you to sign up for our 30-day Yeast Free With Me support program.

What Is the Best Protein Powder?

I would like your opinion on the best type of protein powder. There are so many choices nowadays that it’s confusing. — B.H. 

We have tried several types of protein powders over the years and have settled on pea protein. In addition to containing high-quality protein (20 g per serving), a great balance of amino acids and no added sugars (it’s sweetened with stevia), our pea protein mixes well and tastes great. And because it contains no dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, nuts, or animal products of any kind, it works for individuals with common food intolerances or diet restrictions. 

That said, it is really a matter of personal preference. Whey, egg, rice, hemp… All are fine as long as they contain a hefty dose of protein with all the essential amino acids and no sugars and other fillers. To learn more about the pea protein I recommend for most of our guests, call Hotze Vitamins at 281-646-1659. Hotze Vitamins is staffed with certified nutritionists who will be happy to help you.

To learn more or schedule a Free Wellness Consultation—via telemedicine or at the Hotze Health & Wellness Center—call us at 281-698-8698 or visit hotzehwc.com

If you have a question you would like to ask, visit our Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HotzeHWC/ and send me a private message. Mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line and then and look for my responses in upcoming articles in Katy Christian Magazine.  

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Dr. Steven Hotze

Dr. Hotze is the Founder and CEO of the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, Hotze Vitamins and Physicians Preference Pharmacy International. Dr. Hotze received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Dr. Hotze believes that everyone deserves a doctor and a team of professionals who can coach them onto a path of health and wellness, naturally, so that they can enjoy a better quality of life without the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Dr. Hotze is the best-selling author of Hormones, Health, and Happiness, Hypothyroidism, Health & Happiness and Do A 180. Suzanne Somers dedicated an entire chapter to Dr. Hotze in her New York Times best seller, Breakthrough. “This Texan doctor is going to steal your heart,” writes Somers. “He has so much energy he can’t wait to get to his office each day.” Dr. Hotze has appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows across the nation, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, CBS’ The Morning Show and The Biography Channel. He has also appeared on the morning program, Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan. Dr. Hotze hosted “Health & Wellness Solutions” radio show on KSEV 700 AM and “Dr. Hotze’s Wellness Revolution” radio show on KPRC AM 950 and iHeart radio. He currently hosts the Dr. Hotze’s Wellness Revolution podcast. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Janie, for 52 years. They have 8 children and 23 grandchildren.